Las Cruces police fatally shoots alleged bicycle thief

LAS CRUCES — A man accused of stealing a bicycle was killed during a gunfight with Las Cruces police outside a Walmart on Sunday.

Police did not release the man's identity and it is unclear how many officers were involved in the shooting and if they were injured.

On Sunday morning, someone flagged down an off-duty officer — who was working at the store — about a bicycle theft in the 1500 block of South Valley Drive, near Interstate 10, according to a Las Cruces Police Department news release. 

When the officer tried to detain the man, the man fired "at least one round at the officer" before the officer returned fire, police said.

After the man ran and other officers established a perimeter, "additional exchanges of gunfire occurred," the release states.

Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"This incident involved multiple scenes surrounding Valley Drive, all of which were secured by responding officers," according to the release. "No other information is available at this time. Las Cruces Police anticipate holding a news conference once sufficient information is gathered and confirmed."

The task force investigating the shooting includes officials from New Mexico State Police, LCPD, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State University Police.

Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.